Have you ever experienced waking up in the wee hours because you feel unprepared for the next board meeting? Do you fantasized about quitting from your job because it’s the only escape you can see from what you perceived as an impossible sales target? Do you prefer working alone lately to concentrate on a long overdue project and have avoided spending time with your colleagues in and out of the office?
If you are currently in hole with at least one of the above mentioned situations, you absolutely need a break from work. Don’t worry because it’s not unusual for someone to feel drained, get tired easily and get irritated by just about everything and anything related to work. Many employees who have worked too hard ended up burnt out especially if more pressure comes in like deadlines, unapproved presentations, issues with colleagues and even personal matters and domestic problems.
You don’t need a doctor to tell you that what you’re experiencing will affect you physically, mentally and emotionally. You need some time off.
Jesse Francis Rebustillo, President of the People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP) suggested, “Both the employers and employees should understand the importance of the concept work-life balance. Employees need to learn how to effectively allot their time and energy between work and the other important aspects of their lives.”
PMAP, the premier organization of HR practitioners and people managers in the country, is advocating health and wellness in the workplace as one of the most important issues that companies need to address today.
Rebustillo added, “Every employee needs a well-deserved break from work. Taking time off from the stress and challenges that workers face in their respective organizations can increase their physical and mental well-being as well as productivity and focus. It’s a way to fully recharge your mind and body.”
The Lenten season is a great opportunity to spend time with our family and loved ones. We asked working people from various industries about their plans during the Holy Week break and how they intend to de-stress from the challenges of their work.
Ron Barbaza, Tech Blogger. Will observe Holy Week especially on Good Friday but will still gonna write tech-related stuff and upload podcasts.
Maria Rona Beltran, Content Manager. I’m off to see a backpacker hostel near the beach in Zambales. Went here 3 years ago alone during Holy Week too and got blown away by a few solo backpackers I met who chose to spend the Holy Week in unconventional way. They aren’t agnostics or atheists, they are Catholics too but they prefer to take things lighter. Like me they want sand, surfing and just want to get out of the city to recharge. My work doesn’t conform with the Philippine holidays (because my employer is based overseas) so I got work the entire week. I am bringing my laptop with me, sad to say.
Yvonne Bertoldo, Company Nurse. I will join my hubby’s family vacation at Puerto Galera. It would be my first time to see the place.
Krizia LourenCatapang, Registered Nurse. Visita Iglesia on Thursday then roadtrip to Tagaytay. Then most of the days will be for staycation and review for my training/catching up with deadlines.
Rey Estevez, Customer Service Representative. This holy week I will finally be able to do Alay Lakad which I was not able to do before when I was still working on night shift. Will also be visiting churches.
Thet Mallari Gueco, Blogger/Student. Will cover Holy Week events such as “pabasa” and “pagpipinitensya” for our photography midterm activity.
Rachelle Inumerable, Social Media Manager. Beach therapy! We are headed to Puerto Galera for the Malasimbo Festival and for some much needed R&R (rest and recreation). Because of the nature of my work, I always look forward to out of town trips to help me disconnect and reconnect to what matters most.
Florencio Jusay Jr., Industrial Engineer. Just like the previous years, it will be Visita Iglesia for me on Thursday.
Zheyme Manahan, Digital Marketing Manager. Reflect. Repent. Recharge.I consider these 3 Rs as very effective if you are stressed at work and wanted to feel enlightened. Sometimes, you need to reflect for you to identify things that stressed you. Reflect on things that you have done and have not yet done. Repent because this is the best time to cleanse your mind and soul. Take advantage of the long weekend and spend time with your family while doing the Visita Iglesia. Last but not the least, Recharge as we will face more challenges in your life. Trials are always on the road so involve God to everything we do.
Luigi Mapa, Chief Learning Engineer (LinkOD). I’ll start by turning off my alarm clock for a couple of days. Then still do advanced work, to lessen the workload after the vacation.
Erika Bianca Marquez, Professional Model. It’s going to be a long weekend. I will have more quality time with my family.We’ll pray the rosary together, ask for forgiveness and thank God for all the blessings we have. That will de-stress me from the challenges of my work. I’m also planning for a city escape this coming Holy Week and spend more time with my family for long non-working days, but of course, I will not forget my spiritual responsibilities for the Holy Week.
Cristal Maramag, Digital Officer. Here are my plans: Visita Iglesia on Thursday, then Good Friday mass the day after. As for de-stressing, I usually hang out with friends, usually dinner/ videoke after working hours.
Armi Paz Pineda, Homeschool tutor. Explore Tanay and Antipolo with family and friends. I will also visit the Walkway Stations of the Cross at BGC.
Ivan Stewart Baco Saldajeno, Associate Editor. I will still be doing news reports because Holy Week is still a work week for me.
Catherine Sarmiento Santelices, Restaurant Supervisor. R&R or rest and recreation, time for kids and me time with Him to meditate and find peace internally.
Cherryl Luis True, Online Writer. I still have to finish some pending articles so will just be staying home with my husband and kids. Once I’m done, I will then work on my mini library project at home so that means I will be spending the week arranging books.
While it’s a reality that not everyone will be able to take a vacation for some reason or another, we should at least take time to put our mind and body away from work and anything related to it from time to time. We would like to leave you these words of wisdom from American journalist Sydney J. Harris, “The time to relax is when you don’t have time for it.”
A blessed Easter Sunday to all!
Richard Mamuyac is the Communications Specialist of the People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP), the premier organization of HR practitioners and people managers in the country. For news and updates from PMAP, you may call 7261532, email pmap@pmap.org.ph, visit www.pmap.org.ph or like www.fb.com/PMAP1956.